Calcium Channel Blockers

​Benefits

• ​Controls high blood pressure.
• Controls irregular heartbeats.
• Reduces angina (caused by not enough blood supply to the heart).

​Action

• ​Relaxes (opens) blood vessels to improve blood flow to the heart.
• May slow heart rate and lower the oxygen needs of the heart.

​Potential Side Effects

• headache
• edema (ankle swelling)
• nausea
• facial flushing
• dizziness
• constipation

​Common Names

• ​Amlodipine (Norvasc®, Lotrel®)
• Diltiazem (Cardizem®, Tiazac®)
• Bepridil (Vascor®)
• Felodipine (Plendil®)
• Verapamil (Calan®, Isoptin®, Verelan®)
• Nisoldipine (Sular®)
• Nifedipine (Adalat®, Procardia®)
• Nimodipine (Nimotop®)